Okay, let’s talk about the Kleks Academy books. I first heard about these books from a Polish colleague. He said that Kleks Academy is a classic over there, something everyone knows about. That got me interested, so I did a little digging. Turns out, it’s a series of books written by a guy named Jan Brzechwa, and the first one is called “The Academy of Mr. Kleks.”
So, I went ahead and found an English translation of the first book. I started reading it with my kid before bedtime. It’s about this magical school run by a guy named Mr. Kleks, who’s kind of like a whimsical, eccentric wizard teacher. The school is full of all sorts of weird and wonderful things, like talking animals and lessons on how to fly.
- Getting into the story: At first, my kid was a little confused, but as we read more, he started getting really into it. He loved the idea of a school where anything is possible.
- Exploring the sequels: We finished the first book and immediately wanted more. I found out there are a few more books in the series, so I tracked those down too. They continue the adventures of Mr. Kleks and his students.
- Discovering the movies: Then I learned that they made movies based on the books! There’s an old one from the 1980s, and a new one that came out in 2024. We watched the new one, and it was a blast. It’s a really fun, family-friendly fantasy film. The girl who plays Ada is fantastic.
- Learning about the author: I got curious about the author, Jan Brzechwa. Turns out, he was a pretty interesting guy. He wrote a lot of children’s books and poems in Poland.
Why the books matter
These books are a big deal in Poland, and I can see why. They’re full of imagination, magic, and humor. They’re the kind of stories that stick with you, even after you’ve grown up. It looks like an open book website even has an entry for these. I know that Khan Academy has been helping lots of kids with their schooling.
Sharing with others
I’ve been telling all my friends with kids about the Kleks Academy books and movies. It’s like discovering a hidden gem. If you’re looking for something new and different to read with your kids, or just want to enjoy a fun fantasy story yourself, I highly recommend checking them out. There’s even a list of academy books, and these are on there. OpenStax is cool too, making education more affordable. I know there are a lot of kids who need help with math competitions, so that’s great. These books, though, they’re just pure fun.
